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Opinion
Property owners must maintain first line of defense
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Local law enforcement agencies are working to solve the latest rash of break-ins, and we certainly encourage the public to call with any information anyone may have.
Burglaries have been relatively rare around McCook, and it's sad that we have to think about security in a town where many of us aren't in the habit of locking our doors.
But break-ins do happen, and it's becoming more and more important that we don't make burglars' jobs any easier for them.
Police Chief Ike Brown has issued some helpful crime prevention tips for businesses:
* Maintain good deadbolt locks on all exterior doors.
* Maintain good vision into the business by not covering windows and glass doors with advertisements.
* Install and maintain an alarm system.
* Tell alarm companies to contact 911 first to avoid delays.
* Maintain good interior exterior lighting around the business.
* Maintain video and video recording equipment if available in the business.
* Instruct employees on recognizing and reportion suspicious behaviors and vehicles that may indicate criminals are watching, or "casing" the business.
* Do not keep large amounts of cash in the business overnight.
* Contact law enforcement immediately if the business has been forcibly entered or items stolen. Do not enter the business before law enforcement has responded.
Brown told the businesses that services are available for security audits, training, coordination and customized training for each business.
Similar tips apply to your home. Change your locks when appropriate, keep attractive items such as a large flat-screen TV and other items out of sight, enlist your dog for home security, trim the bushes around your windows, keep in touch with your neighbors, clean out your garage and put your cars inside, consider installing a motion-sensor light outdoors, and, by all means, lock your doors and windows.
Yes, law enforcement has an important role in solving crime and crime prevention, but property owners are responsible for maintaining the first line of defense.